The centre-half's header gave Tranmere their third win on the trot and pushed them into second place in League One.

The manager said: "In the last home game two weeks ago Sharpy had one of his stickier matches and he was gutted when he came off the pitch. It was great for him to score today.

"I'm really pleased with him because he has had a great season. He is still young and is playing very well for us."

Little accepted his side were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Isaiah Rankin looked to have been pulled down by defender Ian Goodison.

He said: "They had a couple of opportunities that might have had different decisions and I accept that. The one where they scored in the first-half was debatable and it looked a bit like a penalty in the second. We had two decisions go our way.

"I thought we were the better side and our play deserved victory. It was a hard game. They came here with a plan to make it difficult for us."

Little's joy was tempered by a facial injury to striker Chris Dagnall.

"He got a nasty whack on his cheekbone, I think from Ian Goodison when the pair collided," the manager said after the game. "His cheekbone is disturbed. Whether there is a fracture I'm not yet sure. We just hope he is okay.

"He has just broken into the side and has looked very sharp. It would be a disappointment if he were out for any length of time."

In the post-match press conference, Brentford boss Martin Allen was still clearly frustrated with the referee after a Jamie Lawrence goal had been ruled out and a good penalty shout waved away.

Allen, tongue in cheek, said: "To be fair, he refereed the game to the very bast of his ability. My mummy and daddy always taught me you have to respect people who try their best. For that you have to say well done."

Allen was more complimentary about Rovers' promotion chances.

He said: "They are a strong, hard outfit. They are competitive all over the field and have some talented players. They will be up near the top."